THE SOUTH ASIAN UNIVERSITY ACT, 2008 
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ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS 
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SECTIONS 

1.  Short title, extent and commencement. 
2.  Definitions. 
3.  Provisions of Agreement to have force of law. 
4.  Incorporation of South Asian University. 
5.  Jurisdiction. 
6.  Governing Board. 
7.  Objectives of University. 
8.  Powers of University. 
9.  University open to all persons. 
10.  Visitor. 
11.  Officers of University. 
12.  President and its powers. 
13.  Other officers. 
14.  Privileges and immunities of President and academic staff. 
15.  Authorities of University. 
16.  Executive Council. 
17.  Academic Council. 
18.  Constitution of other authorities. 
19.  Faculties and Departments. 
20.  Statutes. 
21.  Regulations. 
22.  Bye-laws. 
23.  Power to give retrospective effect to Statutes and Regulations. 
24.  Annual report. 
25.  Audit of accounts. 
26.  Conditions of service of employees. 
27.  Procedure of arbitration in disciplinary cases against students. 
28.  Proceedings of University authorities or bodies not invalidated by vacancies. 
29.  Protection of action taken in good faith. 
30.  Reference to SAARC Arbitration Council. 
31.  Statutes and Regulations and bye-laws to be published in Official Gazette and to be laid before 

Parliament. 

32.  Power to remove difficulties. 

THE SCHEDULE 

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THE SOUTH ASIAN UNIVERSITY ACT, 2008 

ACT NO. 8 OF 2009 

An Act to give effect to the Agreement for the establishment of South Asian University and for 

matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 

WHEREAS an Agreement for the establishment of the South Asian University was signed on behalf of 

the  respective  Governments  of  the  Member  States  of  the  South  Asian  Association  for  Regional                        
Co-operation (SAARC) on the 4th day of April, 2007; 

[11th January, 2009.] 

AND WHEREAS Article 1 of the said Agreement provides that the main campus of the University shall 

be located in India, therefore, it is expedient to make provisions for giving effect to the said Agreement; 

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Fifty-ninth Year of the Republic of India as follows:— 

1. Short title, extent and commencement.—(1) This Act may be called the South Asian University 

Act, 2008. 

(2)  It  extends  to  the  whole  of  India  and  to  campuses  and  centres  established  outside  India  in  the 

SAARC region. 

(3)  It  shall  come  into  force  on  such  date  as  the  Central  Government  may,  by  notification  in  the 

Official Gazette, appoint and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act. 

2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— 

(a) “Academic Council” means the Academic Council of the University; 

(b)  “academic  staff”  means  such  categories  of  staff  as  are  designated  as  academic  staff  by  the 

Statutes; 

(c) “Agreement” means the Agreement for the establishment of the South Asian University; 

(d) “bye-laws” means the bye-laws of the University; 

(e)  “Centre”  means  a  unit  of  the  University  or  of  a  University  Institute  providing  teaching, 

consultancy and research facilities and includes a Regional Centre; 

(f)  “employee”  means  any  person  appointed  by  the  University  and  includes  teachers  and  other 

staff of the University; 

(g) “Executive Council” means the Executive Council of the University; 

(h) “Faculty” means a Faculty of the University; 

(i) “Governing Board” means a Governing Board of the University constituted under section 6; 

(j)  “Hall”  means  a  unit  of  residence,  by  whatever  name  called,  for  students  of  the  University 

provided, maintained or recognised by it; 

(k) “Host Country” means the Republic of India; 

(l) “Host Government” means the Government of the Host Country; 

(m) “Member States” means the Member States of the SAARC; 

(n) “prescribed” means prescribed by Statutes, Regulations or bye-laws; 

(o) “President” means the President of the University appointed under section 12; 

(p)  “Project  Office”  means  the  project  office  set  up  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  necessary 

tasks for establishing the main campus of the University; 

(q) “Recognised institution” means an institution of higher learning maintained or recognised by, 

or associated with, the University; 

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(r) “Regional Centre” means a centre established or maintained by the University at any place in 
the SAARC region for the purpose of coordinating and supervising the work of campuses or centres 
in  such  region  and  for  performing  such  functions  as  may  be  conferred  on  such  centre  by  the 
Governing Board; 

(s) “Regulations” means the Regulations of the University; 

(t)  “SAARC”  means  an  organisation  known  as  the  South  Asian  Association  for  Regional                   

Co-operation  established  by  the  Charter  of  the  South  Asian  Association  for  Regional  Co-operation 
signed on eighth day of December, 1985; 

(u) “SAARC region” means the region comprising the territories of the Member States; 

(v) “Schedule” means the Schedule of the Act; 

(w) “Statutes” means the Statutes of the University; 

(x) “teacher” means professor, reader, lecturer and research staff of the University appointed or 
recognised  by  the  University  for  imparting  instructions  in  the  University  or  for  giving  guidance  to 
students for pursuing any course of study of the University; and 

(y) “University” means the South Asian University incorporated under section 4. 

3. Provisions of Agreement to have force of law.—Notwithstanding anything contrary contained in 
any other law, the provisions of the Agreement set out in the Schedule shall have the force of law in India. 

4.  Incorporation  of  South  Asian  University.—(1)  With  effect  from  such  date  as  the  Central 
Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint in this behalf, there shall be established, 
for the purposes of giving effect to provisions of the Agreement, a University to be called as South Asian 
University. 

(2)  The  University  shall  be  a  body  corporate  having  perpetual  succession  and  a  common  seal  and 

shall sue and be sued by the said name. 

(3) The Headquarters of the University shall be at Delhi. 

(4) The University may establish or maintain campuses and centres at such other places within India 

and outside India in the SAARC region as it may deem fit. 

5. Jurisdiction.—The jurisdiction of the University shall extend to whole of India and to campuses 

and centres established outside India in the SAARC region: 

Provided that where the University establishes and maintains any campus or centre outside India at 
any place in the SAARC  region, then the jurisdiction of the University shall extend to such campus or 
centre, subject to the provision of the Agreement and laws in force in any of the Member States within 
which such campus or centre is situated. 

6.  Governing  Board.—(1)  There  shall  be  a  Governing  Board  of  the  University  consisting  of  two 

members from each of the Member States of the SAARC and the President of the University: 

Provided that until the first Governing Board is formed, the Inter-Governmental Steering Committee 

of the SAARC shall function as an interim Governing Board. 

(2) The Governing Board shall be headed by the Chairperson who shall be elected from amongst the 

members of the Governing Board. 

(3)  The  members  of  the  Governing  Board  shall  be  selected  in  such  manner  and  for  such  term  as 

provided in Article 5 of the Schedule. 

(4) The President of the University shall be the ex officio member of the Governing Board. 

(5) The Governing Board shall be responsible for all the policies and directions of the University and 

management of its affairs. 

(6) The Chairperson of the Board shall exercise such powers as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

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7. Objectives of University.—The objectives of the University shall be— 

(a) to disseminate and advance knowledge, wisdom and understanding by providing instructional 

and research facilities in such branches of learning as it may deem fit; 

(b)  to  take  appropriate  measures  for  promoting  innovations  in  teaching-learning  process,                  

inter-disciplinary  studies  and  application  of  knowledge  to  social  advancement,  and  human  welfare 
and to the promotion of regional peace and security; 

(c) to impart liberal and humane education towards capacity building of the South Asian nations 
in  the  domain  of  science,  technology  and  other  areas  of  higher  learning  vital  for  improving  their 
quality  of  life  and  to  give  students  the  analytical  tools  needed  for  the  pursuit  of  profession  and 
inculcate in them the quality of leadership; 

(d)  to  foster  in  the  students  sound  civic  sense  and  to  train  them  to  become  useful  citizens  of 

democratic societies; 

(e) to build a South Asian community of learning where students from countries of South Asia are 
able  to  develop  their  fullest  intellectual  potential  and  to  create  a  South  Asian  community  by 
strengthening regional consciousness; and 

(f)  to  harmonise  the  academic  standards  and  accreditation  norms  in  teaching,  research  and 

curriculum that are acceptable to all Member States. 

8. Powers of University.—The University shall have the following powers, namely:— 

(i)  to  provide  for  instruction  in  such  branches  of  learning  as  the  University  may,  from  time  to 
time, determine and to make provisions for research and for the advancement and dissemination of 
knowledge; 

(ii) to establish such special centres and specialised laboratories and such other units for research 

and instruction as are necessary for the furtherance of its objects; 

(iii)  to  plan  and  prescribe  courses  of  study  for  degrees,  diplomas,  certificates  or  for  any  other 

purpose; 

(iv) to grant, subject to such conditions as the University may determine, diplomas or certificates 
and  confer  degrees  or  other  academic  distinctions  on  the  basis  of  examinations,  evaluation  or  any 
other method of testing and to withdraw any such diplomas, certificates, degrees or other academic 
distinctions for good and sufficient cause; 

(v) to confer honorary degrees or other distinctions in the manner prescribed by the Statutes; 

(vi)  to  organise  and  to  undertake  open  learning  programmes,  extramural  studies,  training  and 

extension services; 

(vii)  to  institute  Chairs,  principalships,  professorships,  readerships  and  lecturerships  and  other 
teaching and academic positions, required by the University and to appoint persons to such Chairs, 
Principalships,  Professorships,  Readerships  and  lecturerships  and  other  teaching  and  academic 
positions; 

(viii)  to  appoint  visiting  professors,  Emeritus  professors,  consultants,  scholars  and  such  other 

persons who may contribute to the advancement of the objects of the University; 

(ix)  to  recognise  persons  as  Professors,  Readers  or  Lecturers  or  otherwise  as  teachers  of  the 

University; 

(x) to create administrative and other posts as the University may deem necessary from time to 

time and to make appointments thereto; 

(xi)  to  lay  down  conditions  of  service  of  all  categories  of  employees,  including  their  code  of 

conduct; 

(xii) to establish and maintain campuses, Centres, Regional Centres as may be determined from 

time to time; 

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(xiii)  to  admit  to  its  privileges  institutions  situated  within  its  jurisdiction  as  the  University 
institutions and to withdraw all or any of those privileges in accordance with such conditions as may 
be prescribed by the Statutes; 

(xiv) to co-operate or collaborate or associate with any other University or authority or institution 
of higher learning or any other public or private body, having in view the promotion of purposes and 
objects similar to those of the University, in such manner as may be prescribed and for such purposes 
as may be determined or agreed upon by the University; 

(xv) to determine standards of admission, including examination, evaluation or any other method 
of  testing,  to  the  University,  and  the  institutions  maintained  by  or  admitted  to  the  privileges  of  the 
University; 

(xvi) to demand and receive payment of fees and other charges as may be prescribed; 

(xvii) to establish Halls and to recognise, guide, supervise and control Halls not maintained by the 

University and other accommodation for students, and to withdraw any such recognition; 

(xviii) to make arrangements for promoting health and general welfare of students and employees 

of the University; 

(xix) to regulate and enforce discipline among the students and the employees, and to take such 

disciplinary measures in this regard as may be deemed by the University to be necessary; 

(xx) to institute and award Fellowships, Scholarships, Studentships and prizes; 

(xxi) to receive benefactions, donations and gifts in accordance with the regulations made by the 
Governing  Board  as  per  norms  of  the  SAARC  and  to  acquire,  hold,  manage  and  dispose  of  any 
property,  movable  or  immovable,  including  trust  and  endowment  properties,  for  the  purposes  or 
objects of the University and to invest funds in such manner as it deems fit; 

(xxii)  to  borrow,  with  the  approval  of  the  Governing  Board,  on  the  security  of  the  University 

property, money for purposes of the University; 

(xxiii)  to  recognise  for  any  purpose,  either  in  whole  or  in  part,  any  institution  or  members  or 
students  thereof  on  such  terms  and  conditions  as  may,  from  time  to  time,  be  prescribed  and  to 
withdraw such recognition; 

(xxiv) to enter into any agreement for the incorporation of any other institution in the University 
and for taking its rights, properties and liabilities and for any other purpose not repugnant to this Act; 

(xxv) to make provision for research and advisory services and for that purpose to enter into such 

arrangements with other institutions or bodies as it may deem necessary; 

(xxvi) to provide for the printing, reproduction and publication of research and other work which 

may be issued by the University; 

(xxvii) to exercise such other powers accorded to it under the Agreement; and 

(xxviii) to do all such other acts as may be necessary, incidental or conducive to the promotion of 

all or any of the objects of the University. 

9.  University  open  to  all  persons.—The  University  shall  be  open  to  all  persons  irrespective  of 
gender, caste, creed, disability, ethnicity or socio-economic background and it shall not be lawful for the 
University to adopt or impose on any person, any test whatsoever of religious belief or profession in order 
to entitle him to be appointed as a teacher of the University or to hold any office therein or be admitted as 
a student in the University or to graduate thereat or to enjoy or exercise any privilege thereof. 

10. Visitor.—(1) The Foreign Minister of the current Chair of the SAARC shall be the Visitor of the 

University. 

(2) The Visitor shall have such powers as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

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11. Officers of University.—(1) There shall be a President of the University, and such other officers 
appointed in such manner as may be prescribed, who shall exercise such powers and functions as may be 
prescribed. 

(2) The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the University. 

12. President and its powers.—(1) The President shall be appointed by the Governing Board in such 

manner as may be prescribed by the Statutes: 

Provided that until the President is appointed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Project Office shall 

exercise the powers of the President and function as Chief Executive Officer of the University. 

(2) The President shall, as the Chief Executive Officer, exercise general supervision and control over 
the  affairs  of  the  University  and  shall  be responsible for implementing  the  objectives  of  the  University 
and fulfilling the policy directives of the Governing Board. 

(3)  The  President  may,  if  he  is  of  the  opinion  that  immediate  action  is  necessary  on  any  matter, 
exercise any power conferred on any authority of the University by or under this Act and shall report to 
such authority at its next meeting the action taken by him on such matter: 

Provided  that  such  exercise  of  power  shall  be  made  only  in  emergent  situations  and  in  no  case  in 

respect of creation and upgradation of posts, and appointments thereto: 

Provided further that if the authority concerned is of the opinion that such action ought not to have 

been taken, it may refer the matter to the Governing Board whose decision thereon shall be final. 

(4) The President, if he is of the opinion that any decision of any authority of the University is beyond 
the powers of the authority conferred by the provisions of this Act and the Statutes or that any decision 
taken is not in the interest of the University, may ask the authority concerned to review its decision within 
sixty days of such decision and if the authority refuses to review the decision either in whole or in part or 
no  decision  is  taken  by  it  within  the  said  period  of  sixty  days,  the  matter  shall  be  referred  to  the 
Governing Board whose decision thereon shall be final. 

(5)  The  President  or  any  officer  of  the  University,  authorised  by  him  in  this  behalf,  shall  have  the 

power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate records on behalf of the University. 

(6) The President shall exercise such other powers as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

13.  Other  officers.—The  manner  of  appointment  and  powers  and  duties  of  other  officers  of  the 

University shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

14. Privileges and immunities of President and academic staff.—The University, the President and 
the  members  of  the  academic  staff  and,  where  applicable,  their  dependents  or  members  of  the  family, 
shall enjoy such privileges and immunities as the Central Government may notify under section 3 of the 
United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 (46 of 1947). 

15. Authorities of University.—The following shall be the authorities of the University— 

(a) the Executive Council, 

(b) the Academic Council, and 

(c) such  other  authorities  as  may  be  declared  by  the Governing  Board  in  the  Statutes to  be the 

authorities of the University. 

16.  Executive  Council.—(1)  The  Executive  Council  shall  be  the  executive  body  of  the  University 
and shall exercise powers to give effect to the directions or decisions of the President and the Governing 
Board. 

(2) The constitution of the Executive Council, the term of office of its members and its powers and 

functions shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

17.  Academic  Council.—(1)  The  Academic  Council  shall  be  the  principal  academic  body  of  the 
University and shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes and Regulations, co-ordinate and 
exercise general supervision over the academic policies of the University. 

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(2) The constitution of the Academic Council, the term of office of its members and its powers and 

functions shall be such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

18.  Constitution  of  other  authorities.—The  constitution  of  the  authorities  under  clause  (c)  of    

section 15, the terms of the office of the members of such authorities and their powers and duties shall be 
such as may be prescribed by the Statutes. 

19. Faculties and Departments.—(1) The University shall have such faculties as may be prescribed 

by the Statutes. 

(2) Each Faculty shall have such Departments or Schools of Studies as are prescribed by the Statutes, 
and each Department or Schools of Studies shall have such subjects of study as may be assigned to it by 
Regulations. 

20. Statutes.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes may provide for all or any of the 

following matters, namely:— 

(a) powers of the Visitor; 

(b) powers of the Chairperson of the Governing Board; 

(c) manner of appointment of the President and its powers; 

(d) the constitution, powers and functions of the Executive Council, Academic Council and other 

authorities and bodies of the University; 

(e) categories of academic staff; 

(f) appointment of teachers, academic staff and other employees of the University; 

(g) establishment of faculties of the University; 

(h) the conditions under which institution may be admitted to the privileges of the University and 

the withdrawal of such privileges; 

(i) the conferment of honorary degrees; 

(j) delegation of powers vested in the authorities or officers of the University; 

(k) setting up of a machinery for redressal of grievances between employees or the students and 

the University; and 

(l) all other matters which by this Act are to be or may be provided for by the Statutes. 

(2)  The  First  Statutes  shall  be  those  as  may  be  made  for  the  operation  of  the  University  by  the              

Inter-Governmental Steering Committee of the SAARC. 

(3) The Governing Board may, from time to time, make new or additional Statutes or may amend or 

repeal the Statutes referred to in sub-section (2): 

Provided that the Governing Board shall not make, amend or repeal any Statute affecting the status, 
powers  or  constitution  of  any  authority  of  the  University  until  such  authority  has  been  given  an 
opportunity of expressing an opinion in writing on the proposed changes, and any opinion so expressed 
has been considered by the Governing Board. 

21.  Regulations.—(1)  Subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  Act  and  the  Statutes,  the  Regulations  may 

provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:— 

(a) the admission and enrolment of students to the University and institutions maintained by, or 

admitted to, the privileges of the University; 

(b)  the  courses  of  study  to  be  laid  down  for  all  degrees,  diplomas  and  certificates  of  the 

University; 

(c) the medium of instruction and examination; 

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(d) the award of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions, the qualifications 

for the same and the means to be taken relating to the granting and obtaining of the same; 

(e)  the  fees  to  be  charged  for  courses  of  study  in  the  University  and  for  admission  to  the 

examinations, degrees and diplomas of the University; 

(f)  the  institution  of,  and  conditions  for  award  of,  fellowships,  scholarships,  studentships  and 

prizes; 

(g) the conduct of examinations, including the term of office and manner of appointment and the 

duties of examining bodies, examiners and moderators; 

(h) the conditions of residence of students of the University; 

(i) the special arrangements, if any, which may be made for the residence, discipline and teaching 

of women students and the prescribing of special courses of studies for them; 

(j) the establishment of Centres, University Institutes, Departments, Schools of Studies, Boards of 

Studies, specialised laboratories and Committees; 

(k) the creation, composition and functions of any other body which is considered necessary for 

improving the academic life of the University; 

(l)  the  manner  of  co-operation  and  collaboration  with  other  Universities,  institutions  and  other 

bodies or associations; and 

(m) all other matters which by this Act or the Statutes are to be or may be provided for by the 

Regulations. 

(2) The First Regulations shall be made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Project Office with the 
prior  approval  of  the  Inter-Governmental  Steering  Committee  and  the  Regulations  so  made  may  be 
amended, repealed or added to any time by the Governing Board in the manner prescribed by the Statutes. 

22.  Bye-laws.—The  authorities  of  the  University  may  make  bye-laws  consistent  with  this  Act,  the 
Statutes and the Regulations for the conduct of their own business and not provided for by this Act, the 
Statutes or the Regulations, in the manner as may be prescribed by Statutes. 

23. Power to give retrospective effect to Statutes and Regulations.—The power to make Statutes 
or Regulations shall include the power to give retrospective effect, from a date not earlier than the date of 
commencement of this Act, to the Statutes or Regulations or any of them but no retrospective effect shall 
be  given  to  any  Statute  or  Regulation  so  as  to  prejudicially  affect  the  interests  of  any  person  to  whom 
such Statute or Regulation may be applicable. 

24. Annual report.—(1) The annual report of the University shall be prepared under the direction of 
the Governing Board and shall be considered by the University at its annual meeting. The annual report of 
the University shall also be presented to the session of the Council of Ministers of the SAARC. 

(2) The annual report of the University shall be circulated to all the SAARC Member States through 

the SAARC Secretariat. 

25. Audit of accounts.—(1) The accounts of the University shall, once at least in every year and at 
intervals of not more than fifteen months, be audited by any person or firm authorised by the Governing 
Board. 

(2)  The  accounts  of  the  University  shall  be  audited,  as  per  existing  norms  as  laid  down  by  the 

SAARC. 

(3)  The  accounts,  when  audited  shall  be  published,  and  a  copy  of  the  accounts  together  with  the 

audited report shall be submitted to the Secretary-General of the SAARC. 

26. Conditions of service of employees.—(1) Every employee of the University shall be appointed 
under a written contract, which shall be lodged with the University and a copy of which shall be furnished 
to the employee concerned. 

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(2) Any dispute arising out of the contract between the University and any employee shall be referred 

to the Tribunal for Arbitration constituted for that purpose. 

(3)  The  decision  of  the  Tribunal  shall  be  final  and  no  suit  shall  lie  in  any  court  in  respect  of  the 

matters decided by the Tribunal. 

(4) The procedure for regulating the work of the Tribunal under sub-section (2) shall be prescribed by 

the Statutes. 

27. Procedure of  arbitration  in  disciplinary  cases against  students.—Any  dispute  arising  out  of 
any disciplinary action taken by the University against a student shall, at the request of such student, be 
referred to a Tribunal for Arbitration and the provisions of sub-sections (2), (3) and (4) of section 26 shall, 
as far as may be, apply to the reference made under this section. 

28.  Proceedings  of  University  authorities  or  bodies  not  invalidated  by  vacancies.—No  act  or 
proceedings of the University or any of its authorities or bodies shall be invalid merely by reason of the 
existence of a vacancy or vacancies among its members. 

29. Protection of action taken in good faith.—No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against the 
University, any of its officers or employees for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be 
done in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act. 

30. Reference to SAARC Arbitration Council.—All differences arising out of the interpretation or 
application of the Agreement shall be referred to the SAARC Arbitration Council, unless in any case it is 
agreed by the parties to have recourse to another mode of settlement. 

31.  Statutes  and  Regulations  and  bye-laws  to  be  published  in  Official  Gazette  and  to  be  laid 
before Parliament.—(1) The Statutes, Regulations and bye-laws made under this Act shall be published 
in the Official Gazette. 

(2) Every Statute, Regulation or bye-law made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it 

is made, before each House of Parliament. 

32. Power to remove difficulties.—(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of 
this Act, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions, 
not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for removing 
the difficulty: 

Provided that no such order shall be made under this section after the expiry of the period of three 

years from the commencement of this Act. 

(2) Every order made under sub-section (1) shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before 

each House of Parliament. 

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THE SCHEDULE 

(See section 3) 

PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT TO HAVE THE FORCE OF LAW 

Article 1 

Establishment of the South Asian University 

1. There is hereby established an institution to be known as the South Asian University (hereinafter 
referred  to  as  the  “University”),  which  shall  be  a  non-state,  non-profit  self  governing  international 
educational institution with a regional focus for the purposes set forth in this agreement and shall have 
full academic freedom for the attainment of its objectives. 

2. The main campus of the University shall be located in India. 

3. The University shall have full legal Personality. 

4. The legal capacity of the University shall, inter alia, include: 

(a) the power to confer degrees, diplomas and certificates; 

(b) the capacity to contract; 

(c) to sue and be sued in its name; 

(d) to acquire, hold and dispose of properties; 

(e) to establish campuses and centres in the region; and 

(f) to make rules, regulations and bye-laws for the operation of the University. 

Article 2 

Objectives and Functions of the South Asian University 

The objectives and functions of the University shall, inter alia, include: 

1. To create a world class institution of learning that will bring together the brightest and the most 
dedicated  students  from  all  countries  of  South  Asia  irrespective  of  gender,  caste,  creed,  disability, 
ethnicity or socio-economic background to impart to them liberal and humane education and to give them 
the analytical tools needed for the pursuit of a profession and inculcate in them the qualities of leadership. 

2. To build a South Asian community of learning where every student will be able to develop her/his 
fullest  intellectual  potential  and  to  create  a  South  Asian  community  by  strengthening  regional 
consciousness. 

3. To impart education towards capacity building of the South Asian nations in the domain of science, 

technology and other areas of higher learning vital for improving their quality of life. 

4.  To  contribute  to  the  promotion  of  regional  peace  and  security  by  bringing  together  the  future 

leaders of South Asia, and enhancing their understanding of each others' perspectives. 

5.  To  foster  in  the  students  sound  civic  sense  and  to  train  them  to  become  useful  citizens  of 

democratic societies. 

Article 3 

Funding 

The University shall be non-profit public-private partnership, which will seek support from each of 
the  national  Governments  of  member  states  and  from  other  sources  but  will  be  autonomous  and 
accountable to its board of trustees/governors. 

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Article 4 

The Fiscal Status 

1.  The  University  and  its  campuses  and  centres  shall  be  exempted,  in  the  state  where  it  is  located, 
from paying and from collecting all direct and indirect forms of taxes and duties for the establishment and 
operations of the University. 

2. The University shall enjoy treatment in relation to priorities, rates and charges for utilities that are 

not less favourable than that accorded to state owned enterprises and universities. 

3. The University has the right to accept inter vivos as well as testamentary gifts, contributions, and 
donations in cash or in kind for the objectives of the University. All such gifts and donations from any 
legal  or  physical  person  are  fully  deductible  without  any  limit  against  the  income  of  such  donor  or 
contributor in the respective Founding States. 

4. Taxation and social protection of the citizens of the Founding States employed by the University 
shall  be  regulated  in  accordance  with  the  respective  national  legislation  of  the  respective  States.  The 
employees of the University from countries other than the host country will be governed by the income-
tax laws of the home countries and will not be taxed as per the laws of the host country. 

Article 5 

Governance Structure 

1.  The  University  shall  be  governed  by  a  Governing  Board,  composed  of  two  members  from  each 
member  state,  and  will  be headed  by  a  Chairperson.  The  Chairperson  shall  be elected  from  among  the 
members of the Governing Board. 

2. Each member of the Governing Board shall serve office for a fixed term of three years and shall 
not  hold  office for  more  than two  consecutive  terms.  The  members  shall  be  selected  from  amongst  the 
distinguished persons from the region and shall be responsible for the overall policies and directions of 
the University. The powers and functions of the Chairperson of the Governing Board and the role of the 
Board shall be decided as per the rules and regulations of the University. 

3.  The  University  shall  be  headed  by  a  President,  appointed  by  the  Governing  Board.  The 
appointment,  tenure,  powers  and  functions  shall  be  decided  as  per  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the 
University. 

4.  The  President  shall  also  be  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  (CEO)  and  an  ex  officio  member  of  the 
Governing Board. The President as the CEO of the University, will report to the Board and hold office at 
the  pleasure  of  the  Board.  He  will  be  responsible  for  implementing  the  vision  and  the  foundation 
statement of the University, ensuring the purpose and objectives of the University, upholding uniformly 
high academic standards, and fulfilling the policy directives of the Board of the University. 

5.  The  President  as  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  the  University  shall  act  under  direction  of  the 
Governing Board. The President shall be assisted by an Executive Council. The President shall constitute 
the  Academic  Council,  different  committees  and  appoint  the  principal  officers  of  the  University  as  per 
bye-laws. 

Article 6 

Visa and Resident Permit 

The Member States shall provide appropriate visas to the students, faculty  and staff for travel in all 
the SAARC Member States and grant necessary resident permit for students, faculty and administrative 
staff  to  work  in  the  University  and  its  different  campuses,  centres  and  collaborative  educational 
institutions. 

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Article 7 

Recognition of the Degrees 

This  Agreement  shall  facilitate  the  mutual  recognition  of  degrees  and  certificates  awarded  by  the 
University  in  all  the  SAARC  Member  States  at  par  with  the  degrees  and  certificates  issued  by  their 
respective national universities/institutions. 

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